should I buy 914

[Trevor]

Hi, I usually post on the 944 section but for sale in my area is a '74 914 with no engine or tranmission but has a good body and interior. Should I buy it and put a engine and transmission in it, how much would that cost, or should I sell it on E-Bay? I would appreciate your input. Thanks

[Zeke]

IMO, cars that are missing the egine/tranny are a tough deal. There are alot of little things that can get lost when the engine comes out. Unless you have a few shelves full of misc parts, the thing will nickel and dime you to death. For your first 914, get a complete one. then you will know what is supposed to be there in the way of engine compartment seals, wiring, vaccum lines, linkage and so on. Also, many times I see whole cars for about the same price as cars w/o engine. Running, they start at $1000 or even less. Not running, about half of that.

[John2kx]

Total cost to get this car running would vary depending on what you can do and what you pay for a used/new drivetrain. I guess my decision on doing this would be based on wheather I'm looking to make money if the "shell" is in good condition, or if I were looking to keep car and turn into a nice ride.

In other words, it all depends on what your trying to do (make a buck on a roller with visions of multiplying investment assuming a drivetrain will be avaiable for X $, and how much your paying for the roller.

A "good engine/trans." could cost you $1000 to $2500, depending on what your looking to install..........even more in some cases. There is the chance that you could find a running drivetrain for $500 (engine/trans.) but more than likely would put car in the "warranty void as soon as you leave driveway" department and reduce the resale value of car.

I'd also do my homework on what definition of a "good chassis" really is. Especially if your new to 914s.

Buying a roller also comes with so many unknowns. For example, you'll have no idea of condition of electrics, heater, heater fan, gages, lights, suspension, brakes, wipers etc. All of these will be important to the guy coming to look at a car in running condition.

John

[TSNAPCRACKLEPOP]

excellent advice from John. a good interior was what my brother started with in his running 914-6, but it took 11 parts cars over the years to get it the way he wanted it, perfect! he just asked me to pick up the one i saw sitting, he needs just a few more parts!

he is rebuilding his 914 for the second time , and doing it right this time.

this is, for the novice, another "ten year plan"

[anthony]

Trevor, I'd only buy that chassis if it was dirt cheap and was in pretty nice shape. The best way to get it on the road would be to buy another basket case that had a good drive training but which was cosmetically impaired or rust ridden. Personally, it sounds like a lot of work for not a huge payoff unless the chassis without the engine has really nice paint.

[campbellcj]

Another factor is what you intend to do with the car. Would it be a race car, or a big-four or 6-cyl hotrod? A V8 conversion?

In those cases, buying a clean roller is not a bad idea, if the price and condition are good. You'd sell the existing engine anyway, if you bought a complete car, so this just saves you a step.

BUT, if your plan would be to put it back together as a stock street 74 914, sounds like a waste of time and money IMHO. I'd buy a complete car. Buying somebody else's restoration is almost always advantageous compared to doing your own...you can save easily 50-75% in many cases, and you can start driving and enjoying the car immediately.

[Trevor]

I appreciate all of your advice. I think I'll let this one go. He wants $250 for it, which I think is really cheap, but oh well. Thanks for your help.

[TSNAPCRACKLEPOP]

you just saved thousands of dollars, and hours of time. take the lady out to dinner!!
but some dreamer will buy it, and we will meet him here.....too late!!

[anthony]

$250 is worth it just for some of the interior. It would be worth nabbing for extra parts if you continue to look for another 914.